Orkney to explore independence from Scotland and UK following Brexit

Scottish islanders are exploring ways of loosening ties with Scotland and the UK following the Brexit vote including full independence, it has emerged.

More than half of Orkney's councillors have forced through a motion demanding an investigation into “greater autonomy or self-determination” amid the vote to leave the European Union and a possible second independence referendum.

Many residents have hoped for greater autonomy from the Scottish Government in the past, and were promised more powers in the event of Scottish independence.

Nicola Sturgeon is threatening to stage a second independence referendumCredit:
PA

A motion passed by 13 of Orkney Islands Council's 21 members has demanded the chief executive compile a report considering "whether the people of Orkney could exercise self-determination if faced with further national or international constitutional changes, or indeed to decide if more autonomy might be beneficial for the wellbeing of Orkney."

The motion also says the report should look at what would be needed to "consider such opportunities for greater autonomy or self-determination" with both the UK and Scottish Governments.

Graham Sinclair, an independent councillor who drafted the motion, said: "I think the islands are more significantly different - both historically and culturally - from the rest of the country.

"It is a very preliminary shot. It is to consider whether there is the possibility of constitutional changes."

Mr Sinclair said that a new opinion poll might be carried out to determine how people living on the islands feel about the issue.

He added: "I don't have any preconceptions about where it might lead. My motion was accepted without anyone speaking against it and we are a council of independent councillors."

Steven Heddle, the council’s leader, previously supported Scottish independence and his wife was a parliamentary candidate for the SNP.

The BMG poll for the Herald newspaper found that, when those who are unsure are excluded, 61.5 per cent were against holding a fresh vote in 2017, compared to 38.5 per cent who would support it.

Those who were against another poll this year included almost one-third of those who said they were SNP voters.

The Scottish Government is currently consulting on a draft referendum bill after the UK as a whole voted to leave the European Union (EU) while a majority in Scotland voted remain.

Excluding "don't knows" the poll puts support for an independent Scotland at 45.5 per cent, almost identical to the result in 2014.

The research also shows backing for independence is stronger among the young, with 51 per cent of 16 to 34-year-olds in favour compared to 25 per cent of those aged over 65.

Those less well off were also more likely to back independence, with 48 per cent of those from households earning less than £25,000 saying they would vote Yes, compared to 35 per cent of people from households earning more.

Dave Anderson, Labour’s Shadow Scottish Secretary, said: “This poll is yet further evidence that most Scots are opposed to the SNP’s latest attempt to divide our country, just as they were before Brexit. The EU referendum result should not be used as a false mandate for another referendum on Scottish independence.”